Bermudagrass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn, Turf, Pasture, and Forage Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon var. dactylon)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-11. Excellent heat tolerance; goes dormant and turns brown when temperatures drop below 50-60°F or after first frost.
About This Grass
A dense, low-growing, mat-forming perennial. In the image, it exhibits a 'wiry' or 'needle-like' appearance due to short internodes and fine leaf blades. It is bright green during active growth and turns tan/brown when dormant. Seed heads are typically 3-7 finger-like spikes (digitate).
Blade Characteristics
Fine (1.5-3mm wide), tapering to a sharp point. Vernation is folded in the bud. Ligule is a fringe of short white hairs; auricles are absent. Leaves are arranged alternately along the stolons.
Root System
Deep fibrous root system with extensive rhizomes; highly drought-tolerant and forms a very dense sod. Rapid establishment but high thatch tendency.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Africa; widely adapted to tropical and subtropical regions globally (USDA Zones 7-11)
Growth Habit
Highly aggressive; both rhizomatous (underground) and stoloniferous (above-ground).
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (minimum 6-8 hours); poor shade tolerance. Low to moderate water needs once established; highly drought-resistant. Prefers well-drained soil, pH 5.5 to 7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 0.5 to 1.5 inches for turf. High maintenance level: requires frequent mowing, 2-4 lbs Nitrogen per 1000 sq ft annually, and periodic vertical mowing (dethatching).
Special Characteristics
Exceptional wear tolerance and rapid recovery from injury. High salt tolerance. Excellent for sports fields and high-traffic areas, though it can be an invasive weed in gardens.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in North America. Provides soil stabilization and erosion control. Can be invasive in non-managed areas, outcompeting native species. Frequently blended with Ryegrass for winter color.